18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in DeKalb County, Indiana
When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything
One moment, you’re driving home on I-69 through DeKalb County. The next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across the interstate, or a loaded semi is barreling through a stop sign in Auburn because the driver’s been awake for 14 hours straight. These aren’t just accidents—they’re life-altering collisions that leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent more than 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across the Midwest. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—from a $5 million traumatic brain injury settlement for a worker struck by a falling log, to a $3.8 million recovery for a client who lost a limb due to medical complications following a crash. We know the trucking corridors serving DeKalb County, the local courts in Auburn, and exactly how Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rules affect your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in DeKalb County—whether on the busy stretch of I-69 near Waterloo, the rural routes around Butler, or the state highways connecting to Fort Wayne—time is not on your side. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize your claim.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Why DeKalb County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
DeKalb County sits at a critical transportation crossroads in Northeast Indiana. Interstate 69—the primary north-south freight corridor connecting Indianapolis to Fort Wayne and the Michigan border—cuts right through the county. US Route 6 and US Route 33 feed heavy commercial traffic through Auburn and Butler, while the county’s robust agricultural economy means grain trucks and livestock haulers share narrow rural roads with passenger vehicles daily.
This isn’t Houston or Chicago. When a semi-truck crashes on a two-lane county road in Hamilton during harvest season, or when winter ice causes an 80,000-pound rig to lose control on the exit ramp at Auburn, the consequences are often devastating. DeKalb County’s mix of interstate speeds and rural intersections creates unique dangers that city-based law firms simply don’t understand.
The physics alone are terrifying. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of an average car. At 65 miles per hour on I-69, these trucks need nearly two football fields of stopping distance. When a truck driver in DeKalb County is distracted by their cell phone, or when a carrier pressures a driver to violate federal Hours of Service regulations to make a delivery deadline, there’s simply no margin for error.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in DeKalb County
Jackknife Accidents on I-69 and Rural Routes
In DeKalb County’s brutal winters, when lake-effect snow and black ice coat I-69, jackknife accidents become terrifyingly common. A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often clearing multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents frequently happen when drivers brake improperly on slippery surfaces or when their cargo shifts on the curves near Waterloo.
We investigate whether the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 393.100 regarding cargo securement, or whether the driver failed to adjust speed for weather conditions under 49 CFR § 392.14. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers try to blame Indiana weather for driver negligence. As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Rear-End Collisions on the Interstate
Truck drivers traveling through DeKalb County often face tight delivery schedules. When they’re fatigued or distracted, following too closely leads to devastating rear-end crashes. A car struck from behind by an 18-wheeler on I-69 rarely survives the impact intact. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR Part 395, and we analyze Engine Control Module (ECM) data to show the driver never attempted to brake.
Underride Collisions—The Deadliest Crashes
When a passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a tractor-trailer, the results are often fatal. Despite federal regulations requiring rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, many trucks on Indiana roads have inadequate guards or none at all. These accidents frequently occur at night on rural county roads like SR-427, where visibility is limited and trucks turn slowly.
Cargo Spills and Rollovers
DeKalb County’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling grain, livestock, and equipment are common. When improperly secured cargo shifts—violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136—rollover accidents can block the highway for hours and create deadly obstacles for other drivers. We investigate loading companies and shippers, not just the driver, because multiple parties often share liability.
Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown Auburn
The tight intersections of Auburn’s downtown area create squeeze-play accidents when 18-wheelers swing wide to complete right turns and crush vehicles entering the gap. These accidents often involve local delivery trucks and result in serious crushing injuries.
Brake Failures on Downgrades
Though DeKalb County lacks mountain passes, the gentle grades on I-69 can still cause brake fade in poorly maintained trucks. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brake systems. When they don’t, and a truck can’t stop at the bottom of a grade near Butler, we hold the maintenance company accountable.
Tire Blowouts and Road Debris
The extreme temperature fluctuations in Northeast Indiana—from subzero winters to humid summers—cause tire failures. When a retread tire explodes on US-6, sending debris into the path of oncoming traffic, we examine maintenance records to see if the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 393.75 regarding tire tread depth and condition.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your DeKalb County Trucking Accident?
Most people assume only the truck driver is responsible. In reality, 18-wheeler accidents involve complex webs of liability—and multiple insurance policies. Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence system, you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, but identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing your recovery.
The Truck Driver
Individual drivers may be liable for distracted driving, Hours of Service violations, or impairment. But they’re rarely the only defendant.
The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their drivers’ negligence. Additionally, we investigate:
- Negligent hiring: Did the company check the driver’s qualification file under 49 CFR § 391.51?
- Negligent training: Did the driver know how to handle winter conditions on I-69?
- Negligent supervision: Did the carrier monitor ELD data showing HOS violations?
- Negligent maintenance: Are brake inspection records under 49 CFR § 396.13 complete?
We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies in major litigation, including the BP Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. That experience translates to holding major carriers accountable in DeKalb County.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
When grain spills from an overloaded trailer on County Road 427, or when livestock shifts causing a rollover, the shipper and loader may share liability under 49 CFR § 393.100. We obtain bills of lading and loading records to prove improper securement.
The Truck or Parts Manufacturer
Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can cause accidents even when the driver and company did everything right. Product liability claims against manufacturers require immediate preservation of the failed components—we make sure those parts aren’t “lost” or “destroyed” before inspection.
The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who perform inadequate brake adjustments or fail to identify safety hazards can be liable for negligent repair.
Freight Brokers
These intermediaries who arrange shipping sometimes negligently select carriers with poor safety records just to save money. We check FMCSA’s SAFER system to see if the broker ignored red flags.
Government Entities
If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributed to your accident on state highways, government liability may apply—though Indiana tort claim laws impose strict deadlines and caps ($5 million maximum for state claims, lower for local governments).
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Emergency
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: they’re building their defense right now. While you’re in the hospital in Fort Wayne or Auburn, their rapid-response team is already on the scene. Critical evidence that could prove your case has a short expiration date.
Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 Days
The ECM/EDR in the truck records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. But this data can be recorded over within a month—or sooner, if the truck goes back into service.
ELD Logs May Only Be Kept 6 Months
Electronic Logging Devices track Hours of Service compliance under 49 CFR Part 395. After six months, federal regulations allow destruction.
Dashcam Footage Disappears Fast
Many trucks have forward-facing cameras. That footage showing the driver on their phone? It might be deleted within 7-14 days.
Witnesses Forget
Memories fade. The driver who saw the truck run the red light at the intersection of Main Street and 7th in Auburn may move away or forget critical details.
When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters immediately—sometimes within hours. These legally binding notices require the trucking company to preserve all evidence, including:
- Driver Qualification Files (CDL status, medical certifications, drug tests)
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Dispatch communications
- GPS and telematics data
- Cell phone records
If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable—a devastating sanction for the defense.
Indiana and DeKalb County Legal Framework
Statute of Limitations: The Clock Is Ticking
In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your 18-wheeler accident to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two years runs from the date of death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to recover forever—no matter how catastrophic your injuries.
But waiting even a few months is dangerous. Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If a DeKalb County jury finds you 30% at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by 30%. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
This makes early investigation critical. We need to prove the truck driver was speeding, fatigued, or distracted before weathered skid marks fade or witnesses relocate.
Punitive Damages in Indiana
When trucking companies act with gross negligence—like falsifying logbooks, knowingly hiring dangerous drivers, or ignoring repeated safety violations—Indiana law allows punitive damages. These are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3).
We’ve seen cases where punitive damages turn a significant settlement into a life-changing recovery. Our associate Lupe Peña, who spent years defending insurance companies before joining Attorney911, knows exactly what evidence triggers punitive damage awards.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
18-wheeler accidents in DeKalb County don’t cause minor bruises. The force differential between an 80,000-pound truck and a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle causes:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even with airbags, the forces in a truck collision often cause concussions or severe brain trauma. Symptoms may not appear for days: headaches, confusion, memory loss, personality changes. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, covering lifetime care and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifetime care, home modifications, and lost income. These cases demand settlements in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range to ensure financial security.
Amputations
When a truck collision crushes a limb beyond repair, victims face surgical amputation, prosthetics, and permanent disability. Our firm has secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation clients.
Wrongful Death
When negligence takes a loved one, Indiana law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. While no amount heals the loss, we fight to ensure financial stability for grieving families, with recoveries ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million depending on circumstances.
Why DeKalb County Victims Choose Attorney911
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side
Lupe Peña didn’t start out fighting for victims—he started out defending insurance companies. He knows the playbook they use to deny claims: the “independent” medical examiners, the surveillance investigators, the lowball settlement tactics. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. When an insurance adjuster in Indiana sees Lupe’s name on the case file, they know we won’t be pushed around.
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—and his federal experience matters for DeKalb County cases involving interstate carriers. When trucking companies operate across state lines, federal jurisdiction may apply. You need an attorney who knows federal trucking regulations inside and out.
We Speak Your Language
DeKalb County has a growing Hispanic community, and many truck drivers are Spanish-speaking. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation—Hablamos Español. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you can speak directly with an attorney who understands your language and culture, not an interpreter.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We don’t talk about “good outcomes”—we talk about specific results. The $5 million brain injury case. The $3.8 million amputation recovery. The $2.5 million trucking accident settlement. These aren’t lottery tickets; they’re the result of aggressive litigation and thorough preparation.
As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency. You pay no retainer, no hourly fees, no costs upfront. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. And we advance all costs of investigation—including expert witnesses who can cost thousands and accident reconstruction that strengthens your case.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in DeKalb County
Immediately:
- Call 911 and report all injuries
- If possible, photograph the truck’s DOT number, license plates, and company name
- Get witness contact information
- Seek medical attention immediately—DeKalb County residents should consider Parkview DeKalb Hospital in Auburn or regional trauma centers in Fort Wayne for serious injuries
Within 24-48 Hours:
- Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster
- Do not post about the accident on social media
- Begin documenting your injuries and missed work
Why the Rush?
Because while you’re healing, the trucking company is preparing their defense. They’re downloading ECM data (if they haven’t already), scheduling their driver for a “re-training” session (which looks good in court), and finding ways to blame Indiana weather or road conditions for their driver’s negligence.
Breaking the Silence: Common Questions
“I was partially at fault. Can I still recover?”
Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rules, yes—as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. If you were speeding slightly but the truck driver ran a red light, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
“The trucking company seems cooperative. Do I still need a lawyer?”
Insurance companies are never “cooperative”— they’re calculating. That “friendly” adjuster is trained to get you to admit fault and accept a settlement worth pennies on the dollar. Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, put it perfectly: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
“How much is my case worth?”
Every DeKalb County trucking accident is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, insurance coverage (federal minimums require $750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo), and punitive conduct. Call us for a specific evaluation.
“Can’t I just wait and see how I feel?”
Traumatic injuries often worsen over time. Adrenaline masks pain immediately after a crash. Waiting gives the trucking company time to destroy evidence and weakens your claim under Indiana’s suspicion gaps rules. Get checked out immediately.
“What if the driver was from out of state?”
Most 18-wheeler accidents involve interstate commerce. We handle cases where the trucking company is based in Texas, Illinois, or Ohio. Our federal court experience and network of associate counsel allow us to pursue justice regardless of where the defendant is headquartered.
Serving All of DeKalb County
Whether your accident occurred on:
- Interstate 69 near the Waterloo exit
- US Route 6 through Butler
- State Road 427 in Garrett
- County Road 427 in rural DeKalb County
- The intersections of Auburn’s downtown district
- Or any farm-to-market road where trucks meet passenger vehicles
We come to you. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve DeKalb County clients through remote consultations and local travel when necessary. We’ve handled cases across the Midwest and understand the unique challenges of Indiana’s court system.
The Attorney911 Difference
While billboard firms juggle hundreds of cases with paralegals, Ralph Manginello personally oversees trucking accident litigation. Our smaller firm size means you get direct access to attorneys, not just case managers. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you reach someone who knows your name and your case.
We’re currently litigating a $10 million case against the University of Houston for institutional negligence. That same tenacity—the same willingness to take on powerful defendants—applies to your DeKalb County trucking case.
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Free Consultation—No Risk, All Reward
You have nothing to lose by calling. We offer free, confidential consultations for DeKalb County 18-wheeler accident victims. We’ll evaluate your case, explain Indiana law as it applies to your situation, and give you honest advice about your options.
If we take your case, we handle everything—from dealing with the trucking company’s insurer to filing in the DeKalb County Circuit Court if necessary. You focus on healing. We focus on winning.
Call 888-ATTY-911 now. We’re available 24/7, because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours.
Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC. Remembering that after a catastrophic truck accident in DeKalb County, you’re not just a case number—you’re family.
